Harvey Group Practice is a Research Ready Practice Research Ready® is a quality assurance programme for all research-active UK GP practices. It is designed in line with the UK Research Governance Framework’s legal, ethical, professional, and patient safety requirements. The programme serves to provide information, support and guidance to accredited practices in research; both to assist with meeting the requirements above, and with considering and conducting research.

We also work with the NIHR Clinical Research Network North Thames, who provide the infrastructure that allows high-quality clinical research to take place in the NHS in our area, so that patients can benefit from new and better treatments. We help to increase the opportunities for patients to take part in clinical research and ensure that studies are carried out efficiently. They are hosted by Barts Health NHS Trust.

Dr Matt Parfitt is our Research Lead. He co-ordinates the studies and oversees patient participation. Carolyn Downs is our Research Nurse.

We are currently taking part in the following research projects:

iQuit - looking at whether targeted text messaging can help smokers to quit, in addition to usual care with counselling and tablets (Champix). Currently recruiting - if you wish to be involved please book an appointment with our smoking cessation advisor - Karen Horner-Halliday

ANTLER - a study looking at whether long term treatment with antidepressants prevents relapse in people with depression. We are recruiting patients who have been on the following drugs for more than 9 months and are considering stopping. (Citalopram 20mg, Sertraline 100mg, Fluoxetine 20mg or Mirtazapine 30mg per day). Patients are randomized into 2 groups - one of which continues the antidepressant and the other takes a placebo. Patients are unaware of which group they are in. Follow up is for 12 months. If you would like to find out more please ring Dr Matt Parfitt on the main surgery number.

PACT - a study looking at whether asthma treatments that are tailored to genetic subtypes is more effective in 12-18 year olds. If you are suitable for this study you will have already been invited.

qFIT - a study looking at the validity of a new stool blood detection kit, in the initial investigation of possible bowel cancer. In the next few months potential patients will be asked in their consultation with a GP whether they would like to take part. Involvement in the study does not affect care pathways in any way, and patients will be referred for appropriate investigation, but in addition they will be asked to provide a stool sample to send to the study team.

GARFIELD - This European-wide study looks at the care received by patients with new Atrial Fibrillation. Some initial results have been published and the study will close in August this year.

We continue to seek new studies through our partnership with the Primary Care Research Network. Funding for all these studies is from the National Institutes for Health Research or the university which is managing the study. We receive reimbursement for GP and Practice nurse time. We do not receive any funding from drug companies.

If you would like to know more about these studies or are considering taking part, please contact Dr Matt Parfitt.

Research And Audit

The practice is committed to audit its organisational and clinical care with a view to improving its standards. From time to time we will become involved with outside bodies in research work such as the Medical Research Council (MRC), The Health Improvement Network (THIN) and the General Practice Research Database (GPRD). Where patients’ records are used for research purposes this is done in such a way to ensure anonymity. If this is not possible, patients will be contacted prior to any information leaving the practice. We assure you that this practice is committed to protecting your confidentiality at all times.

If you do not wish to be contacted about research studies, please let us know so we can remove you from any potential future study invites.